Fall into the Berkshires

This weekend and next are going to be peak season for fall foliage leaf peeping in the Berkshires.

Check out the fall foliage maps at http://www.yankeefoliage.com/peak-foliage-forecast-map/

Go for a fall foliage drive up to the summit of Mt Greylock and check out the most beautiful views from this 3,491-foot mountain, or take a hike and check out the trails. Mt Greylock is a great place for birdwatching as well. Mt Greylock is less then 1/2 an hour from the 1896 House Inn. 

Driving map with vantage points

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/downloads/drivingmap.pdf

Summit Hikes (check out the foliage for miles and miles around!!!)

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/downloads/summithikes.pdf

Full Mt, Map

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/mgry1.pdf

Mount Greylock was the first state reservation in Massachusetts, established in1898. It contains over 68 miles of hiking trails, including 13 miles of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

Birding: The boreal zone (especially 3,000 feet and above) contains what may be the state's only breeding Blackpoll Warbler. Swainson's Thrushes also nest in the damp coniferous forest, as do White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncoes. Mourning Warblers still nest in cutover, regenerating areas. The Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is a strongly suspected nester, and the Olive-sided Flycatcher nested regularly in an area that has now grown up to tall spruces. Historically, a small population of Bicknell's Thrushes nested near the summit. (from http://www.massaudubon.org/Birds_and_Birding/IBAs/site_summary.php?getsite=6)

Birds of Mount Greylock

INFORMATION GUIDE & SIGHTING LIST

http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/mtGreylock/downloads/birdsOfGreylockGuideList.pdf